Vapor flow lid

ABSTRACT

A container lid for preventing spills or leaks, which enhances the flow and direction of aromatic vapors of beverages within the container to the consumer&#39;s nostrils, is disclosed. The lid comprises vapor ports that provide for aerodynamic redirection of aromatic vapors toward the drinker&#39;s nostrils, and one or more spill-preventing mechanisms to keep beverages within the container in case of overfilling or tipping, and an optional manual closure to contain heat and aroma within the container when it is not in use.

Benefit is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1) of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/439,123, filed Feb. 3, 2011, the entirecontents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the consumption of foods and beverages. Inparticular, the invention provides a container lid for preventing spillsor leaks, which enhances the flow and direction of aromatic vapors ofbeverages within the container to the consumer's olfactory system, toimprove the consumer's tasting experience.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various publications, including patents, published applications,technical articles and scholarly articles are cited throughout thespecification. Each of these cited publications is incorporated byreference herein, in its entirety.

In the tasting of foods and beverages, the sense of taste is heavilyinfluenced by the sense of smell. The tongue detects only fivetastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. When combined with theintense impressionability of the olfactory sense, the result is thecharacteristic known as “flavor.” Indeed, research indicates that 70 to75% of what we taste is actually due to our sense of smell. Specializedsensory nerves in the nose are necessary to identify tastes more subtlethan sweet, sour, bitter and salty. Thus, for example, in wine or beertasting, without the sense of smell, one would be unable to detect thedelicate flavors of chocolate, herbs, fruits, grasses or smoke in wineand beer.

Coffee and tea are widely consumed beverages that also require the senseof smell for full flavor enjoyment, and the olfactory contact isachieved largely by way of the nose. For instance, it has been shownthat approximately ninety percent of the aromatic components of coffeeenter the olfactory system through of the nose. Only ten percent arrivesby evaporating from the coffee once it is inside the mouth and goingupwards through the retro-nasal pathways.

Unfortunately, coffee and tea drinkers must forego the full flavor oftheir beverages if they choose to consume them “on the go,” in liddedcontainers or “travel mugs.” To prevent spills, the lids of typicaldisposable cups or travel mugs block all but a small opening for thebeverage to come out, and one or more very small holes for equalizationof air pressure. As a result, the subtle flavors that arise largely fromolfactory sensation via the nose are not experienced, and the coffee ortea drunk from a covered disposable cup or a travel mug tastes decidedlyinferior to coffee or tea drunk from an open cup.

Attempts have been made to solve this problem. For example U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,311,863, 6,375,033, 6,578,726 and U.S. Publication No.2008/0000921 describe various designs for container lids, or forcontainer/lid combinations, purported to facilitate transmittal ofvapors from the beverages within the containers to the consumer's nose.However, none of the designs reported in the art possesses the featuresand advantages of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention features a lid for a beverage containercomprising: (a) a drinking side comprising a drink opening along oneperiphery of the lid; and (b) one or more vapor ports offset to eitherside of a central longitudinal axis defined by the center of the drinkopening and a location on a periphery of the lid substantially oppositethe center of the drink opening.

Typically, the vapor port is offset at least about 0.1 cm to either sideof the central longitudinal axis, measured from the edge of the vaporport proximal to the central longitudinal axis. The vapor ports canlocated above, along, and/or below a central latitudinal axis that isperpendicular to and bisects the central longitudinal axis. In oneembodiment, the lid comprises two or more vapor ports, located to eachside of the central longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the vaporports are movable between the central longitudinal axis and theperiphery of the lid.

In certain embodiments, the vapor ports comprise a covering, referred toherein as a membrane that is substantially permeable to vapors escapingfrom beverages within the container, and substantially impermeable toliquids. The covering typically is composed of a material selected fromspunbonded olefins, water-resistant fabrics, porous glass, metal, orpolymers. The covering can be affixed to the top side or the undersideof the lid. It can also be sandwiched between two layers of lidmaterial.

In certain embodiments, the lid comprises a flap/seal assembly beneathone or more of the vapor ports that seals the vapor port in the eventliquid in the container is tipped toward the vapor port. In otherembodiments, the lid comprises a float assembly beneath one or more ofthe vapor ports that seals the vapor port in the event liquid in thecontainer is tipped toward the vapor port. In still other embodiments,the lid comprises a baffle assembly beneath one or more of the vaporports that diverts liquid from the vapor port the event liquid in thecontainer is tipped toward the vapor port. The lid may also comprise amanual closure for closing the vapor ports and, optionally, the drinkopening.

Another aspect of the invention features a lid for a beverage containercomprising: (a) a drinking side comprising a drink opening along oneperiphery of the lid; and (b) one or more vapor ports located inproximity to nostrils of a user drinking from the container, wherein theone or more vapor ports comprises a covering that is substantiallypermeable to vapors escaping from beverages within the container, andsubstantially impermeable to liquids. The covering typically is composedof a material selected from spunbonded olefins, water-resistant fabrics,porous glass, metal, or polymers. The covering can be affixed to the topside or the underside of the lid. It can also be sandwiched between twolayers of lid material.

In certain embodiments, the aforementioned lid comprises one or morevapor ports offset to either side of a central longitudinal axis definedby the center of the drink opening and a location on a periphery of thelid substantially opposite the center of the drink opening.

Typically, the vapor port is offset at least about 0.1 cm to either sideof the central longitudinal axis, measured from the edge of the vaporport proximal to the central longitudinal axis. The vapor ports canlocated above, along, and/or below a central latitudinal axis that isperpendicular to and bisects the central longitudinal axis. In oneembodiment, the lid comprises two or more vapor ports, located to eachside of the central longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the vaporports are movable between the central longitudinal axis and theperiphery of the lid. The lid may also comprise a manual closure forclosing the vapor ports and, optionally, the drink opening.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will beunderstood by reference to the drawings and detailed description thatfollow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Schematic diagram of top view of several embodiments of theinvention. FIG. 1A shows central longitudinal axis A, bisecting the lidfrom the drink opening to a point at the periphery of the lid oppositethe drink opening; a central latitudinal axis B bisecting andperpendicular to axis A; hashed areas represent locations on the lid inwhich vapor ports can be placed. FIGS. 1B-1F show particular embodimentsof the lid.

FIG. 2: Schematic diagram of cross-section of embodiments utilizing anarm/float/seal (FIG. 2A), float (FIG. 2B) or baffle system (FIG. 2C) toprevent spills via the vapor ports. Cross section is shown at a vaporport.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention arises in part from the inventor's design of acontainer lid that enables and enhances the flow and direction of vaporsfrom beverages within the container through the lid and toward thenostrils of the user. This novel and innovative design allows for fullerenjoyment of the flavor of the beverage by the user, while substantiallypreventing spills or leaks from the container.

The designs and constructions described and claimed herein can beapplied to any type of lid for any type of beverage container, includingdisposable and non-disposable beverage containers and lids currently inuse, or any henceforth developed. Non-limiting examples of disposablecontainer/lid systems include disposable cups that utilize a snap-ontype lid typically composed of a plastic. Such lids can be substantiallyflat, or they can be symmetrically or asymmetrically raised, typicallyalong the drinking edge. Disposable lids may contain a hinged flap orsimilar device for covering/closing the drink opening when the beverageis not being consumed. Non-limiting examples of a non-disposablecontainer/lid system include the wide variety of “travel” mugs or cupsavailable to the consumer of coffee, tea and any other beverages orliquid food. The lids for such containers include snap-on and screw-onlids composed of numerous different types of materials, such as plasticsand metals. They may also comprise various mechanisms for opening andclosing the drinking aperture, to prevent spills when the container isnot in use. These include sliding or twisting closures of a variety ofstyles.

The container lid design is most suitably used with containers intendedfor beverages or other liquid foods. The term “beverages” as used hereinis intended to include any typical beverage, including but not limitedto coffee, tea, juice, milk, soft drinks, wine, beer, liquor, mixeddrinks and the like, and also to include any food sufficiently liquid tobe consumed from a lidded container, such as soups, broths, shakes, andthe like.

The container lid design employs at least one vapor port (an opening inthe lid that allows aroma vapors from the beverage within to escape)positioned to direct the vapors to the nostrils of a person consumingthe beverage. While such vapor ports may be placed in any location, itis preferred that they are not aligned along the central axis of thelid, but instead are offset to either side of that axis. The reason forthis pertains to the positioning of the nostrils in relation to theports. Since the nostrils of the nose are bilaterally symmetricallyplaced, the aerodynamics of vapor rising from a centrally located venthole is not optimally placed to reach the nostrils. Therefore, the lidof the present invention typically comprises two or more ports arrangedindividually or in rows or clusters juxtaposed to one side or the otherwith the cover of the opening on the lid or where the opening mechanismis placed in lids having an opening mechanism. The ports direct thearomatic vapors upwards and inwards towards the nostrils.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1A shows a schematic top view of a containerlid 10 of the present invention, comprising a rim 12 that defines theperiphery of the lid 10. FIG. 1A shows a central longitudinal axis A,bisecting the lid 10 from the drink opening 14 to a point at theperiphery of the lid opposite the drink opening 14, and a centrallatitudinal axis B bisecting and perpendicular to axis A. The hashedareas represent locations on the lid in which vapor ports can be placed.As can be envisioned, vapor ports can be placed anywhere on the lid toeither side of axis A, between axis A and the rim 12. In certainembodiments, the vapor ports are placed such that the edge of the portproximal to axis A is at least 0.1 cm offset from axis A. In particularembodiments, the vapor ports are placed such that the edge proximal toaxis A is at least 0.2 cm, or at least 0.3 cm, or at least 0.4 cm, or atleast 0.5 cm, or at least 0.6 cm, or at least 0.7 cm, or at least 0.8cm, or at least 0.9 cm, or at least 1.0 cm offset from axis A. In otherembodiments, the vapor ports are placed such that the edge proximal toaxis A is more than 1.0 cm offset from axis A, e.g., 1.1 cm, 1.2 cm, 1.3cm, 1.4 cm, 1.5 cm, 1.6 cm, 1.7 cm, 1.8 cm, 1.9 cm, 2.0 or more offsetfrom axis A. The vapor ports can be arranged in pairs, pairs of rows orpairs of clusters, or a combination of such arrangements, symmetricallyor asymmetrically offset to either side of axis A. With respect to axisB, the ports can be located above, along, and/or below axis B.

The vapor ports can be of any size or shape amenable to manufacture andconducive to permitting vapors to pass through the lid to the nostrilsof the consumer, including square, rectangular, circular, oval,triangular, heptagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, star-shaped, odd-shaped,or combinations thereof. For example, FIG. 1B shows an embodiment of lid10 comprising rim 12, drink opening 14, air equilibration vent 18 andtwo vapor ports 16 of substantially rectangular shape with rounded ends,symmetrically offset to either side of axis A, and below axis B. FIG. 1Cshows an embodiment of lid 10, comprising two rows of small, circularvapor ports 16, each row substantially parallel to axis A and offsetsymmetrically to either side of axis A, extending from below to aboveaxis B. FIG. 1D shows an embodiment of lid 10, comprising two clustersof small, circular vapor ports 16, each cluster substantially parallelto axis A and offset symmetrically to either side of axis A, locatedbelow axis B. FIG. 1E shows an embodiment of lid 10, particularlysuitable to covering containers intended for wine or beer, where theflavor and character of the beverage is appreciated differently fromsampling vapors from different areas of the container, e.g., the edgeversus the center. Lid 10 contains a variety of vapor ports 16symmetrically offset from axis A, with two series of small circularports disposed near rim 12 on either side of axis A, two clusters ofsmall circular ports located approximately midway on either side of axisA between axis A and the periphery of the lid 10, and a central vaporport 16 located along axis A.

In another embodiment, one or more of the vapor ports is slidable ormovable over a portion of the lid. This sort of lid is also particularlysuitable for the consumption of beverages such as wine or beer, wherethe flavor and character of the beverage is appreciated differently fromsampling vapors from different areas of the container, e.g., the edgeversus the center. In this embodiment, instead of being permanentlyattached to the lid the vapor ports are placed on sliders that can moveback and forth across a portion of the lid, so that they are eithercloser to the edge of the glass or closer to the middle. In lidsdesigned for wine or beer, the lid may also contain a vapor port in thecenter, so that after the consumer has swirled the beverage in theglass, he can selectively smell the center vapors or the edge vapors, orboth. FIG. 1F depicts an example of this embodiment. In FIG. 1F, lid 10comprises rim 12, drink opening 14, air equilibration vent 18 andsliders 20, comprising vapor ports 16. The sliders 20 enable positioningof vapor ports 16 in a range between the center and periphery of thelid.

Another aspect of the container lid design is the presence of at leastone mechanism for inhibiting or preventing spills or leaks through thevapor ports. Thus, the container lid is fashioned with one or morefloats, sealing mechanisms or baffle systems, a manually closable lid ora differentially permeable cover to prevent the beverage from spillingout onto the drinker regardless of angle or orientation of thecontainer.

In one embodiment, the mechanism for spill- or leak-proofing the vaporports comprises a differentially permeable covering or layer, referredto generally as a membrane. The membrane comprises a material thatserves as a selective barrier in that it is substantially permeable tovapors, gases or aerosols that carry the aroma of a beverage, but issubstantially impermeable to the bulk liquid of the beverage itself.Thus, the membrane allows passage of aroma-carrying vapor through thevapor port, while substantially preventing leaking or spilling of thecontainer contents in the event of tipping or over-filling of thecontainer.

A number of materials are suitable as a membrane for the container lid,depending in some instances on the material from which the lid isconstructed. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to,spunbonded olefins, such as Tyvek® products, water-resistant fabricssuch as Gore-Tex®, EPIC® or Ultrasuede®, or nylon coated with a waterrepellant (e.g., silicone), porous glass, metal or other polymer. It ispreferred that the material is safe and/or approved for use inconjunction with food products.

The membrane can be fastened directly to the lid, using glue, heat,compression or other techniques well known in the art. It can also befastened to an auxiliary insert that is then secured to the underside ortop of the lid. Depending on the needs/desires of the ultimate customer,the membrane can be sandwiched between layers of fabric, plastic orother material to camouflage the membrane from the drinker's perceptionand/or to secure the membrane onto the lid.

In a particular embodiment, the lid is a disposable plastic lid and themembrane is Tyvek®. In another embodiment, the lid is a reusable lidcomprised of a high-density poly, such as that found on a typical travelcup or mug, and the membrane is Tyvek® or a water resistant fabric(e.g., Gore Tex® or silicone-coated nylon).

In another embodiment, the spill- or leak-proofing is accomplished byway of a float, seal and/or baffle assembly beneath each vapor port orvapor port cluster/row. The assembly can have a structure similar to theflapper valve in the tank of a toilet or it can have a separate floatingvalving mechanism similar to what are used in some diving snorkels.Examples of such assemblies are shown in the schematic diagrams of FIG.2, showing cross sections of a lid 10 in a plane through a vapor port16. FIG. 2A shows an example of a float/arm/seal assembly similar to theflapper valve in a toilet tank. Float 22 is affixed to the bottom sideof a float arm 28, which carries seal 24 on its top side, aligned withvapor port 16. Float arm 28 is attached to a spacer 26 on the bottom oflid 10 via hinge 30. If liquid in the container (not shown) tips towardthe vapor port 16, the float 22 rises, pressing seal 24 into vapor port16, as shown by the arrow. FIG. 2B shows an example of a float assemblyoperating in a manner similar to a diving snorkel. Float housing 36 isattached beneath vapor port 16, and contains float 22. If liquid in thecontainer (not shown) tips toward the vapor port 16, the float 22 willrise and block the escape of liquid from the vapor port 16. FIG. 2Cshows an example of a baffle assembly. Horizontal and vertical baffles40 defining a baffle vapor opening 42 that is offset from the vapor port16 are affixed to the lower side of lid 10. Vapor is able to escape fromthe container via the baffle vapor opening 42 in a path to and throughthe vapor port 16. However, in the event the container is tipped, liquidin the container is substantially prevented from exiting via the vaporport, 16 due to the presence of the baffles 40.

In addition to, or instead of, the membrane or float/seal/baffleassemblies described above, the lid can be fitted with a manual closurefor the vapor ports. The manual closure can be fastened to the containerlid either through a friction fit, via a hinge, or in a sliding channel,similar to the manner in which many travel mug lids open and close thedrink opening. Alternatively, the manual closure may utilize apress/twist seal such as the type used, for example, on disposablesalt/pepper or grated cheese dispensers. In an embodiment suitable for,but not limited to, lids intended for consuming wine or beer, the manualclosure may comprise one or more stoppers, such as a cork stopper, whichcan be placed into one or more vapor ports at the consumer's discretion.

To summarize, the container lid design of the present inventionrepresents an advance in the art for a variety of reasons. Among otheradvantages, the design provides for aerodynamic redirection of thevolatile components, a spill preventer to keep beverages from getting tothe drinker in case the container has been overfilled or tippedsignificantly towards the horizontal, and the option to keep the aromain the cup except when drinking, to provide a broader aromaticexperience.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described andexemplified above, but is capable of variation and modification withinthe scope of the appended claims.

1. A lid for a beverage container comprising: a. a drinking sidecomprising a drink opening along one periphery of the lid; and b. one ormore vapor ports offset to either side of a central longitudinal axisdefined by the center of the drink opening and a location on a peripheryof the lid substantially opposite the center of the drink opening. 2.The lid of claim 1, wherein the vapor port is offset at least about 0.1cm to either side of the central longitudinal axis, measured from theedge of the vapor port proximal to the central longitudinal axis.
 3. Thelid of claim 2, wherein the vapor ports are located above, along, and/orbelow a central latitudinal axis that is perpendicular to and bisectsthe central longitudinal axis.
 4. The lid of claim 3, wherein the vaporports are located below the central latitudinal axis.
 5. The lid ofclaim 3, wherein the vapor ports are located above the centrallatitudinal axis.
 6. The lid of claim 1, comprising two or more vaporports, located to each side of the central longitudinal axis.
 7. The lidof claim 1, wherein the vapor ports are movable between the central axisand the periphery of the lid.
 8. The lid of claim 1, wherein the vaporports comprise a covering that is substantially permeable to vaporsescaping from beverages within the container, and substantiallyimpermeable to liquids.
 9. The lid of claim 7, wherein the covering iscomposed of a material selected from spunbonded olefins, water-resistantfabrics, porous glass, metal, or polymers.
 10. The lid of claim 7,wherein the covering is affixed to the top side of the lid.
 11. The lidof claim 7, wherein the covering is affixed to the underside of the lid.12. The lid of claim 1, comprising a seal assembly beneath one or moreof the vapor ports that seals the vapor port in the event liquid in thecontainer is tipped toward the vapor port.
 13. The lid of claim 1,comprising a float assembly beneath one or more of the vapor ports thatseals the vapor port in the event liquid in the container is tippedtoward the vapor port.
 14. The lid of claim 1, comprising a baffleassembly beneath one or more of the vapor ports that diverts liquid fromthe vapor port the event liquid in the container is tipped toward thevapor port.
 15. The lid of claim 1, comprising a manual closure forclosing the vapor ports and, optionally, the drink opening.
 16. A lidfor a beverage container comprising: a. a drinking side comprising adrink opening along one periphery of the lid; and b. one or more vaporports located in proximity to nostrils of a user drinking from thecontainer, wherein the one or more vapor ports comprises a covering thatis substantially permeable to vapors escaping from beverages within thecontainer, and substantially impermeable to liquids.
 17. The lid ofclaim 16, wherein the covering is composed of a material selected fromspunbonded olefins, water-resistant fabrics, porous glass, metal, orpolymers.
 18. The lid of claim 16, wherein the covering is affixed tothe top side of the lid.
 19. The lid of claim 16, wherein the coveringis affixed to the underside of the lid.
 20. The lid of claim 16,comprising one or more vapor ports offset to either side of a centrallongitudinal axis defined by the center of the drink opening and alocation on a periphery of the lid substantially opposite the center ofthe drink opening.
 21. The lid of claim 20, wherein the vapor port isoffset at least about 0.1 cm to either side of the central longitudinalaxis, measured from the edge of the vapor port proximal to the centrallongitudinal axis.
 22. The lid of claim 21, wherein the vapor ports arelocated above, along, and/or below a central latitudinal axis that isperpendicular to and bisects the central longitudinal axis.
 23. The lidof claim 22, wherein the vapor ports are located below the centrallatitudinal axis.
 24. The lid of claim 22, wherein the vapor ports arelocated above the central latitudinal axis.
 25. The lid of claim 20,comprising two or more vapor ports, located to each side of the centrallongitudinal axis.
 26. The lid of claim 20, wherein the vapor ports aremovable between the central axis and the periphery of the lid.
 27. Thelid of claim 16, comprising a manual closure for closing the vapor portsand, optionally, the drink opening.